Eagles boosted by Watford win

Crystal Palace made it three victories in a row with a 1-0 success at home to Watford.

Troy Deeney's second-half own goal helped Palace to a huge three points and they now move four points clear of the relegation zone.

In a cagey match at a windy Selhurst Park, Palace had appeals for a penalty turned down early on after Wilfried Zaha tangled with Craig Cathcart in the box.

Zaha then blazed over the upright for the hosts, before Valon Behrami repeated the feat for Watford on the stroke of half-time.

In the 65th minute, a probing run by Andros Townsend on the right saw his cross put high over the bar by Zaha and the Palace winger was involved in his side's goal four minutes later.

The Ivory Coast international was shoved to the ground by Sebastian Prodl on the left and the Hornet got shown a yellow card for his efforts. Then Yohan Cabaye's in-swinging free-kick was nodded into his own net by Watford skipper Troy Deeney.

Wayne Hennessey had to be alert to stretch and push out substitute Abdoulaye Doucoure's dipping shot from long range.

Christian Benteke – a striker lacking confidence in front of goal right now – wasted two clear-cut opportunities to seal the win for Palace.

And in stoppage time, Hennessey almost gifted Watford an equaliser when he failed to catch a ball in the box and M'Baye Niang's lob went just over.